Definition: (noun) A steep artificial slope in front of a fortification.
Synonyms: protective embankment.
Usage: Instead of trying to breach the escarp, the army encircled the fortress, planning to starve out the inhabitants above.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
There are trees that “weep” and trees that “quake,” trees that are “bitter,” “brittle,” “common” and “dynamite.” But trees that sleep? Maybe. In research both charming and groundbreaking (sorry for the pun), scientists from Austria, Finland and Hungary …
Source: The Free Dictionary
“Mary Had a Little Lamb” is a 19th century American nursery rhyme. It was written by Sarah Josepha Hale, who turned to writing in 1822 as a widow trying to support her family and who eventually became an influential editor and arbiter of American taste. Thomas Edison recited part of the poem to test his invention of the phonograph, and a host of musicians have recorded versions of it. The nursery rhyme is said to have been based on an actual incident in which what happened? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Bermuda Day, formerly Commonwealth Day, is a public holiday and the highlight of Bermuda Heritage Month. Since 1979, a variety of cultural activities have been held every May, including historical exhibits, concerts, and thanksgiving services in churches. Festivities on May 24 include a parade that ends up in the middle of a festival at Bernard Park in Hamilton. It is also a popular day for Bermudians to hit the beaches. Runners participate in a marathon race, and there are races for cyclists and skaters. May 24 is also the beginning of dinghy-racing season in St. George’s Harbor. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
One of the first international female sports stars, Lenglen was a French tennis player and a prolific champion. She won 31 championship titles from 1914 to 1926, including the world hard-court singles and doubles titles (1914); French women’s singles (1920–23, 1925–26); and British women’s singles crowns and doubles (1919-1923, 1925). In 1920, she won a gold medal at the Olympic Games. The first female tennis celebrity and a flamboyant trendsetter, she was given what nickname by the press? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A zombie computer, or zombie, is a computer attached to the Internet that has been compromised by a hacker, computer virus, or trojan horse. Generally, a compromised machine is only one of many in a network of remotely controlled computers used to perform malicious tasks. Most owners of zombie computers are unaware that their systems are being used in this way, but the damage caused by such systems can be devastating. Approximately what percent of the world’s spam is sent from zombie computers? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Having many branches.
Synonyms: branching.
Usage: The ramose tree sheltered us from the blistering sun.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A pair of scientific papers has identified the same single gene as the source of red colouring in birds. The gene makes an enzyme that lets the birds convert yellow pigments, which they eat, into red ones, which are deposited in their feathers or beaks. Two …
Source: The Free Dictionary
Savonarola was an Italian preacher and religious reformer. After the overthrow of the Medici family, he became the ruler of Florence, setting up a democratic but severely puritanical government. He was opposed by the allies of the Medici and by Pope Alexander VI, who attempted to restrain Savonarola’s unusual interpretations of scripture and his claim of prophecy. He was tried, convicted of heresy, and hanged. His government was known for its “bonfire of the vanities,” which was what? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Declaration of the Bab is a joyous Baha’i festival to celebrate the Bab‘s announcement in 1844 in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran), that he was the “gate” (which is the meaning of Bab) to the coming of the promised one of all religions. This proclamation is considered the beginning of the Baha’i faith, although the religion was founded after the Bab’s death. This day is holy to Baha’is and a day on which work is suspended. Its observation begins at about two hours after sunset on May 22. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary